Pages tagged refugees

On Friday, December 18, 2015, AAI participated in a Syrian Refugees Roundtable Discussion and a Citizenship Briefing at the White House along with a diverse group of ethnic organizations and organizations helping Syrian refugees resettle in the United States.

It has been frightening to listen to the intolerant and near hysterical tone of the debate over admitting Syrian refugees into America. Despite the fact that conflating refugees with terrorism is irrational and bigoted, this notion has spread quickly with: most of the Republican presidential aspirants making frighteningly bigoted statements about refugees or Muslims, in general; more than 30 governors saying that they will not accept Syrians in their states; and 289 Members of Congress voting to restrict the ability of the President to fulfill his goal of increasing the...

In the wake of last week’s terror attacks in Paris, refugees have received increased backlash across Europe and the United States. More than two dozen Republican governors and one Democratic governor, including presidential candidates, have announced that they will not be resettling Syrian refugees in their states. Their announcements have limited direct impact, however, since there is no lawful means to refuse legally accepted foreign refugees. It’s ridiculous and baffling that refugees are being blamed for attacks carried out by the same people they were were escaping from in the first...

It’s been nearly a week since the tragic attacks on Paris and some U.S. officials, particularly presidential candidates, have reacted to the events with tired bigotry and hateful statements. We have seen bigotry before, but this level is a new low and these officials need to be held accountable. Despite the robust vetting process, many have doubled down on the misinformed and bigoted rhetoric that refugees are not vetted and pose security threats to the United States. Listed below is some of the worst rhetoric we have heard directed at Syrian refugees and American Muslims. Join us...

AAI compiles a weekly roundup of election news tracking key races across the country as well as legislation that will impact voting rights ahead of the 2016 elections. For AAI’s coverage of presidential candidates and races, make sure to check out our profiles over at #YallaVote’s Election Central. And for more state specific information, head over to our election map and click on your state. You can read previous editions of our 2016 Election News Roundup right here at its headquarters. Governor Snyder First in Wave of Anti Refugee Sentiments Governor Rick Snyder...

Tomorrow, November 19, 2015, the House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 4038, the American SAFE Act of 2015. This bill was introduced by Homeland Security Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) as a reaction to the recent heinous attacks that occurred in Paris, France.

There have been various efforts from politicians to block the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the United States. 32 governors have announced that they will temporarily, or permanently, reject the settlement of Syrian refugees in their state. Even worse, some presidential candidates are suggesting that for the first time ever we impose a religious test. And even before the attacks in Paris and Beirut, anti-Arab and anti-Muslim groups like the Center for Security Policy have published material making outlandish claims against Syrian refugees, specifically claiming that "migration is jihad." This is the familiar Islamophobia we’ve seen before, but this time lives hang in...

Over 12 million Syrians are in immediate need of humanitarian assistance, and the staggering need of the refugee community is apparent in every story. A group of women in Toledo, Ohio have channeled that need into action.